Football Manager 2014 releases on 31 October

SEGA and Sports Interactive want all budding football managers to know that Football Manager 2014 will be released on 31 October.

Sports Interactive’s Studio Director, Miles Jacobson has obviously been badgered by fans to announce a release date and adds:

“I get so many requests for the release date on Twitter, but we’ll only ever announce a date when we’re sure we’re going to hit it. We’re now at that point, so I’m delighted to announce the release date of October 31st and also announce loads more retailers who will be offering people who pre-order the chance to play the Beta version of the game two weeks ahead of Football Manager 2014’s official release date.”

After so many years of the series you’d think it would be hard to find new features to add but there’s plenty to watch out for this year including:

ZiZo

The new ‘zoom in/zoom out’ feature allows you to set up your interface, your way. The system works in conjunction with our adapative layout to allow anyone with a high resolution screen to have the game display the information that they want, with the text size and graphic size that they want. When used alongside Steam’s ‘Big Picture’ mode makes it practical to play FM on a TV screen.

In addition, there are a number of other features which we have already announced on which we can now reveal a little more information. They are…

Linux Compatibillity

The addition of Linux to the roster of platforms means that users running Ubuntu 12.04 LTS or higher on a device equipped with keyboard and mouse (and running Steam) will be able to play Football Manager for the first time.

Cloud Saving

The integration of Steam’s ‘cloud save’ functionality means that managers will now be able to continue a single career across a variety of computers, as long as they are logged into their Steam account. What’s more, the cross-compatibility between the Windows PC, Mac and Linux versions means that a single career can be continued across any and all of these platforms.

Steam Workshop

The integration of Steam Workshop into FM 2014 will allow fans to easily create content and share it with their fellow managers. Fans will be able to create unique game skins and graphics, customise and share bespoke databases (including additional leagues and nations) and create customised competitions. In addition, Classic Mode will feature a Challenge Editor which will allow fans to create and share unique gameplay scenarios.

Cross-save with PS Vita

Football Manager Classic players will not only be able to continue a single career across the three computer platforms, they will also be able to continue that same career while mobile on their PS Vita (the PS Vita version of FM 2014 is also required). The PS Vita game will also be the first handheld version of Football Manager to feature the 3D match engine.